NOTHING BUT, PARADE
OF WORDS
German Reception Of French PeaceTMTM Plan
"Hong Kong Daily Press" Special)
Berlin, April 9,
The unfavourable reception given the French memorandom by the German press is summed up in one single word" "Back- "wards" as "the heading of an editorial in the "Lokal Anzeiger." The first few words of the French memorandum, says the paper, reveal the spirit inspiring Flandin's policy-it is the same " old song of noble France wearing itself out in the cause of peace and of wicked Germany which disregards treaties and is never satisfied.
That is the French answer, or rather the French Govern- ment's answer to the German proposals, one of the main points of which was the demand for moral disarmament. France sets up treaty rights against what Germany terms her right of living. and even goes so far as to say that the demilitarised Rhine- land zone. which was added to the Treaty of Versailles for the benefit of France. is a guarantee for Europe against new Ger- man enterprises.
Turning to the peace plan proper, the "Lokal Anzeiger" says that it sounds almost like mockery, when the French memoran- dum begins with the French 'declaration' that France desires peace with equal rights of all confidence and honour. The art!- cle concludes by saying that It is nothing but a parade of words. but the determination to put these words into action is not to be found.
What Germany thinks about the French counter-proposals for the stabilisation of peace in Europe is eloquently voiced by the headlines in this morning's
newspapers which convey more by their brevity! and unanimity than the lengthy leading articles that follow.
The "Berliner Tageblatt" says "Answer and counter-plan, or French
Government-No
answer
at all."
The Deutsch Al'gemoine Zel- tung." which often gives the views of industrial circles. cal's the French counter-pian "A skyscraper of parts and dreams for Europe."
The "Boerson Zeltung." which has the closest touch with Anance circles, declares that "France re- maing reactionary."
The "Lokal
Ansciger" regrets "No Nearer; No Peace" and adds facetiously that the plan is a con- tribution to the Geneva archives.
"Das Ruhr." a paper for business men, who scan it in the bus
on their way to their offices, describes the French document as "The Same Old Story," while the mid- day paper "Bzammittag." which usually summarises impressions created on the German publie by the morning papers, carries heavy headline "Sharp Criticism in England-French Counter-Plan Ut- terly Impracticable-Even in Paris one recognises the Old Chimeras." Fransocean rus Servier
PLAN CONDEMNED IN FRANCE
}
Received Everywhere With.
"Undifference
"
Judging
.
14
accompl:." and as Germany has made not the least gesture to meet
would neglect any means for apply- France in this respect. France
ing pressure to enforce its rights. Another Geneva correspondent declares bluntly that the people of Europe are hungry for peace and will not be appeased by "plans." and that if the Anglo-French divergence of views continues the League of Nations itself will soon be a thing of the past.
SCEPTICISM EVERYWHERE The French plan has been received everywhere with indifference, and scepticism. The heavy industries organ, "Ordre," disapproves of the French plan because it corresponde neither with practical realities nor with the possibilities of realisation. The Nationaitst Your rejects the plan because of its Utopian and inopportune quality, and that it serves only to bring the French at- titude towards Germany Into mis- credit. - J
"ennsocean News Cerri”.
FEARS ENTERTAINED IN
BRITISH PRESS"
Organised Security Scale Magnitude
London, April 9. The French reply to the German memorandum of April 1 and the proposals for consolidation of peace by the organisation of secu- rity by mutua assistance and arms limitations as well as widespread economic financial reconstruct.on were made public yesterday and are reproduced in full this morning in the leading newspapers.
HONG "ONG DAILY PRESS. FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 1936.
EUROPEAN PEACE
Discussion In House'
Of Lords
London, Apr. 8. The leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords (Lord Snell} raised the question of the interna- tional situation this afternoon. Lord Halifax, intervening in the debate; sald discussions on the Italo-Abys- sinlan dispute were taking place at Geneva and he was not in a post- tion to add anything to what the Foreign Secretary had sald on Monday when he bad emphasised the need for a cessation of hostil les and the restoration of peace. Lord Halifax agreed with Lord Snell that the League, whatever the limitations on its effectiveness due to various causes, could not be said to have failed.
Turning to Europe the Lord Privy Seal said the method chosen by Germany to force her claims on world attention had dealt a shat tering and far-reaching blow at the foundations on which inter
All
HOLIDAY RUSH IN BRITAIN
PEACE EFFORTS FRENCH STATEMENT ON
AT GENEVA
Prompt Cessation
Of Hostilities
Geneva, April 8.
The Committee of Eighteen has gone into action to attempt to put a stop to the Italo-Ethiopian war. The British attitude is that hos titles must cease immediately,
and negotiations within the Lea que framework be instituted at once. The French, on the other hand, are afraid of rushing the
The Committee has also decided to appoint a small sub-committee of Jurists to examine into whether the question of the violation of the gas convention is within the com-
of petence
the Committee
or
GERMAN ACTION
Points From Peace Plan Memorandum
"Hong Kong Daily Press" Special
Geneva, April 8. M. Flandin's elaborate Peace Proposals as well as the Memo- randam, handed to the British Government, defining the French attitude towards the remilitarisation of the Rhineland and Hitler's Proposals, were published by the French delegation here on Wed- nesday.
Power Agreement of March 19.
towards the Four
the
national order had been raised. It past years. Services are augment should be dealt with by the Counter's proposals, begins by stating nations over the weaker ones, and -
action
TUB
The Memorundum. which co- stitutes the French answer to Hit- ell of the League..
If the efforts of Senor Madariaga that after Germany's denunciation and M. Avenol did not result in
mutnal assistance
A recent portrait of Chancel-matter, and causing complications. lor Adolf Hitler, whose action in
The Committee of Thirteen has The Peace Plan wil be submitted as the scheme of the Rhineland has raised a diff-
empowered Senor Madariaga, its to the Beague of Nations as well Economic Union of Briand 1930. a Furopean calt problem in Europe
I chairman, and M. Joseph Avenol, as to
to see the Italian envoy, Baron England, Belgium and Italy, and it marised as follows: Recognition of
the three Locarno Powers, The main points may be sum Aloisi. and to discover the Italian is moreover announced that attitude with regard to steps to- Fiandin and M. Pau-Bancour will
M. the legal equality and independ wards the cessation of hostilities Inform the delegates of these three conflicts on the basis of a univer
ance of all states, settlement of in Ethiopia.
powers as to the French attitude sally concerning the decisions to be taken subject to the Interpretation by a binding international law as a result of the "negative attitude sovereign of Germany"
court whose decisions are held up by the joint forces of international community, Umitation of armaments, in order, to prevent hegemony of the strong
violation of the international law. against аду
an agreement to negotiate for the refrained from taking the justin- this assistance to be organised by cessation of host!ttes, the British able steps to restore the legal assistance is not recognised 65 regional pacts, so long as this Government must reserve its atti-status, because she was destrous of universal obligation. tude, declared Mr. Arithons Eden, peace. For this reason the four the Foreign Secretary and British Locarno Powers had drawn up an delegate to the Committee.
agreement which took ate accoun He emphasised that there must of Germany's grievances, be no further delay and that they which was nevertheless rejected by must demand an immediate ces- the German and
Government. sation of hostilities and negotia- question is raised. whether Ger tion between Italy and Ethiopia many reserves for herself the right treaties, the plan admits that no. demanding respect for territorial adjust treaty can be regarded as unalter
the Peaceable, but adds that no alteration--
should be contemplated before the lapse of 25 years.
All
The
London, April 8, Railway Companies have made plans for the holiday rush exceeding anything undertaken in
might be true that this was the
ed and main expresses are era of grievances but that afford-ing, in several parts. ed no justification for an
crowded roads are provid- which left in doubt whether, when in the authorities with many
of grievances was closed, problems in anticipation and resort might again be had to the special campaign for road safety method used by Germany. There Was Inaugurated · last night by could be no hope of settlement un-
broadcast by the Transport Minis- less they could be, absolutely and Positively sure that no such me- thod would be resorted to again in
an era
any circumstances.
STAFF TALKS OBJECT The staff conversations which were to take place, Lord Halifax eniphasised, were only concerned with the discharge of existing ob- ligations. There was not any hope of peace by a return to the pre- war system of alliances but by re- glonal understandings which would reinforce the obligations of the Covenant and would aid its object of guaranteeing in advance re- sistance by all disposable means to any wanton disturbance of peace. Government stood by their obliga- tions and because these were more specific in the West, it did not mean they did not apply to the East,
ter.
The Automobile Association
13
is
arranging for aeroplanes trailing banners with safety slogans to patrol the seaside resorts other centres of attraction.- British Wireless.
STEEL PRODUCTION IN BRITAIN
London, April 9..... Last month the production of steel ingots and castings in the
K ngdom
reached
record
the
of the Locarno Treaty. France
within the framework of the Lea-to contest ali gue of Nations.
but
The
ments 'ald down M. Pierre Flandin, the
French Treatles, Foreign Minister, deprecated rush- ing matters and suggested giving
The Memorandum
JURISTIC ARGUMENTS
then
deals
It is suggested that the system of such regional pacts should be
organised in Europe by a special European Commission to be creat- ed within the framework of the League of Nations,
While
European nations should Senor Madariaga and M. Avenol with the terman Governmento contribute towards the mainten uritil April 14 to get a reply from Juristic arguments
ance of an international armed Rome.
in support of force at the action of March 7. The fact Mr. Eden dryly observed that remains that Germany sets hersel!
the disposal of the there seemed no real danger of the up as judge of her own actions,
European Commission or the League of Nations, on land, sea Committee being accused of rush whereas the Locarno Treaty ex-
and" in the air, ing the matter.--- with Ruter.
pressly fixes arbitration for dine rences of opinion. That Germany has refused to submit the case to the International Court at Harue is a confession of the weakness of ber juristical arguments.
at
United highest tonnage on 980.100
tons compared 938.900 tons the month before and 841,900 tons a year ago.
EASTER PROGRAMME
43
GENEVA WAITING FOR ITALIAN REPLY
Committee's Competence Under Examination
ECONOMIC FIELD'
The third part deals with the economic problem, and suggests a reorganisation and rationalisation
10
of international trade by means of an international,
at least European, convention..
The document then goes on to say that the German Peace Plan In this connection it is stated 13
more show
than reality, and that a twofold necessity must be totally insuficient to establish acknowledged, a joint reservoir of European beach.
gain
Production of pig fron in March amounted to 833-600 tons against With the single object of secure 584.700 tons the month before and ing peace, Government was engag-, 554,200 tons a year ago. ed in an examination of the Ger-British Wireless. man memorandum of April 1. Lord Halifax said he hoped France and Belgium would be not less willing than Britain to give full recogni-
- London. April 9. on to the rightful claim of Ger-"
Geneva messages state that the
raw materials as well as markets The proposals would cutcome of the interview of the significance in the many to equality but he also hop-
un for the surplus of European pro- ed the German Government would
Chairman af
cres of the ducts. This must lead to a certatra the Committee of Prerch Government only," when revision of the colonial statute, but recognise Its.
Thirteen, London, April 9.
Senor Madariaga, with knows how the new obigations to responsibilities to The King went to Westminster the Italian representative, Europe. Trust begot trust. To est Abbey this morning and, in
not in the sense of political sover- whom be undertaken, can be guaranteed. eignity, but merely in matters of ablish peace conflicting prejudices cordance with the century old regarding peace negotiations
he is to ask for definite assurances and
if Germany is prepared economic equality and joint credit, custom, distributed. Maundy,money
which the Italian Government has lective security, in deeds not onb
acknowledge the princ ples of cal.policy.
In an 'annex; it is stated that the plan, with certain modifications, may be put into operation, even
and obligations must be set aside. and the interest of Europe must British Wirders. be reconciled as a whole.--
BRITAIN'S ROAD TOLL
London, April 9. ("Hong Kong Day Press" Specia
The accompanying editorial com-
The road accident figures last ment is unanimous in recognising week were 101 killed and 2,532 in- Paris, Apr. 9.
convictions in favour of organised fured: In the corresponding period frem the reception security which inspires the French last year 85 were killed and 3.185 given by the French press, M.plan, but apprehension is evident injured. Flandin's plan for establishing lest the undertaking on the scale permanent peace in Europe finds envisaged would not inevitably be scarcely more approval than in frustrated in the conclusive other countries,
many papers cussions. showing open mistrust of the eff- cacy of the proposals and un easiness at the way they are likely to be received in Germany.
"
dis
thinks
This fear is most explicit in the "Daily Telegraph" which the plan has no wise elaboration and detall and this idea is echoed the "Manchester Guardian"
The "Echo de Paris," which is by considered to be the mouthpiece which declares that Mr. Eden, was
of the French General Staff, pub-right to advocate a restricted pro- 11shes from Geneva the verdict of gramme for this year's negotia- its political correspondent that tlons
the
la a
"French memorandum
"PEACE PLANS" clear, positive and valid rejection Both the Times" and "Tele- of Germany's arguments advanced graph" and the proposals wholly to justify the action of March 7, impracticable in many parts but The declaration of peace, however, the "Telegraph" makes the points is certainly not from the same regarding the growing number of pen. The French peace plan looks "peace plans" that "if all these like an electioneering placard be-projects were thrown into cause it summarises all the Geneva common pool, statesmanship would the chimeras from 1924 to 1931. It is be undeserving of the name if it designed only to impress the popu- could not extract from lar masses.
them something that would give a bet- The plan shows an
unhappy ter guarantee than we have now disposition to make the fate of of peace." Europe dependent on the will of the League,"
1
GENEVA DOUBTS
The figures for the whole of 1935 show 8,502 killed and 221,728 injured compared with 7,343 killed, and 231,603 injured in 1934 British Wireless.
GERMAN DELEGATE
RETURNS
OF ROYALTY
35
RC-
to
of
Pact, which Germany, contrary to
شدگی
to eighty four persons of both agreed in principle, is anxiously in words. sexes.
After attending a regimen-awaited.. tal review this afternoon,
The French Government His
The Committee meets again this wants to know whether the Air some states should resent it.
Also Majesty goes to Fort Belvedere, afternoon when the report Windsor, for Easter.
Jurists on its competence. in the
the attitude expressed to the Bri-that the plan will be dealt with in:
It is generally anticipated here.' The Queen and other members matter of alleged violations of the Royal Family will be
at anti-gas and other conventions is few weeks ago, is now prepared to May-
and French Ambassadors the next session of the League in: Windsor Castle- British Wireless..
expected to be ready-
conclude, is tended to contain the British Wireless.
stipulation limiting the strength of the air flecta without, which it would be worthless.
ITALIAN AIR SERVICE CONSCRIPTION
ITALY DENIES USE OF POISON GAS
("Hong Kong Daily Press" Specla) Rome, April 9.
Rome, April 9. After a speech by Signor Musso- Although the employment of nl at the Cabinet meeting yester- poison gas is not denied in Italian day, the Cabinet Issued a decree circles, it is stated that first it will that a certain portion of the con have to be plainly proved." scripts be drafted to the military semi-official "Giornale London, April 9. air force. This is the Arst time also denies that evidence has been Herr von Ribbentrop is return-compulsory conscription has beer: found, and declares all reports to ing to Berlin to-day. He left introduced into the air service. be malicious rumours. Croydon this morning by plane-
It denies Another decree states that mines the Committee of Thirteen's right Heuter's Bulletin Service.
in the Italian. African possessions to investigate these "unfounded will be under government control. utterances." Heuter's Bulletin Service.
respect treaties with the French attitude to flagrant violation of the Covenant in Abyssinia.
Their attitude is summed up by ference to yesterday's proceedings the "Times" "which says with re-
at Geneva the "contention will no doubt be heard that the moment when France is submitting pro- posals to build upon the Covenant, в mote secure edifice of Interna- tional security and when Germany. has offered to rejoin the League and to accept the obligations of the Covenant is certainly not a mo- ment to confess that the Covenant is worthless."
¡ransocean News Service.
Alleged Agitation On American Ships
tish
Transocean News Service.
GORDONS TO PROCEED TO SINGAPORE
DEFENCE ESTIMATES IN BRITAIN
QUESTION OF PACTS The Franco-Soviet Pact had pro- vided Germany with the pretext to repudiate her obligations under the
London, April 9. Locarno Pact, but it that Germany had
was curious
The Third Battalion which wil concluded a non-aggression pact accomodation is available will be not herself be sent to Singapore as 3000 25 with the Soviet Union, since dur- the Second Gordons." The fing the Stresa Conference a year
Neuter. d'Italia”
pressed willingness to do so, also ago, the German Government ex-
consenting to parallel mutual as- Russia and other powers. #istance pacta between Soviet what purpose the Memorandum.
The French Government expres ses its pleasure at the German de cipated the additional requirement cision to re-enter the League, but for the Air Force in 1936 to be re- asks, how Germany can, before the glon of 10,000,000. He extimated crisis brought about by her policy the Defence estimates for 1937- of accomplished facts, has been 1938 to substantially exceed the solved, be regarded as a nation aggregate of this year's original which affords sufficient guarantees estimates.- "of its sincere intention to observe
Neuter's Bulletin Service, its international obligations."
New York, April 9. Allegations of agitation among the crew of the President Garfield were made when the liner docked after her world cruise, says the "New York Times." It was revealed that the Captain refused to bring back two members of the engine room crew from Genoa and left another behind for insubordination and radical activities. A fourth member was quietly put ashore in Italy to awalt passage home by a foreign boat.
The passengers are reported to
The "Daily Express" thinks be- fore joining in the reorganisation of Europe the Empire should be The political correspondent, of bound into a angle framework and the semi-official "Excelsior" in it urges Britain to turn to its own Geneva declares that logically the tasks Arst, while regarding French plan ought to have been Europe's efforts to rebuild with all received with enthusiasm
DOOR NOT CLOSED in goodwill, The caustic French The fact that the French "reply Geneva: but in reality it has not comments on the more plausible does not close the door to nego- niet with the understanding and arguments in the German menior- sympathy desired. Admittedly the andum are generally approved for while the wide divergence which attitude of the stewards, who were that Mr. Roper, Secretary of Com
tiation is recognised and welcomed, have been most indignant at the of the "New York Times” says. The Washington correspondent. French plan is not quite now, but their substance if not for their still exists between the French and alleged to have been also concern- on the other hand it redects clear-tone.. ly the last 15 years of Geneva's
German positions is admitted. On ed in Red agitation, and failed to merce, declared at a press con work France does not evade
this the Times erpresses the pre-render proper service... At the same time both the valling sentiment. The task of
ference that American ships were direct negotiation with Germany "Dally Herald" and the
The Captain of the liner is absolutely safe. It is confirmed within the framework of the Chronicle" contrast the French ex- not be abandoned. So far from of the crew were terrorised by a Franklin D. Roosevelt several cases "News reconciling the opposing views can quoted as saying: Ninety per cent that he reported to President League of Nations organisation or plicit proposals for implementing having ended in failure it has radical spy system, & veritable of alleged sabotage, but he did not through diplomatic channels but and strengthening the guarantees hardly begun.” could not begin on a basis of "falt of the Covenant and obligations to British Wireless.
Russian Cheka which held sway of consider the incidents to be the ship.
1 serious,Reuter
B
COVENANT VIOLATION
For
and reason? asks
The German proposals for the prohibition of dropping gas and incendiary bomba are already con- tained in the Geneva Convention of 1925, "while the other d'aarna ment proposals are considered un- adequate.
London, April 9. Mr. Neville Chamberlain anti-
AMERICAN TALKS WITH CHINESE BANKERS
Washington, April 8.4 Mr. Henry Morgenthau, Secret- sary to the Treasury, resumed his
"The prevention of жат
Franco-German reistions and her even more Important than huma conversations with the Chinese nising it?".
bankers to-day. They will con- The two last parts deal with th
tinue for several days, observation of obligations when-ers came here on his invitation to Mr. Morgenthau said the bank- ever she undertakes any.
exchange information on mutuak SUMMARY OF FLAN
wise a lengthy document and re-n nancial problems
monetary policies, adding that "closer working arrangements be
wives all parts of the Tardieu plan templated" G
The French Peace Flan is like-ween the United States and China.
for providing the League with an international Armed Force as well (Other
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